Orangutan Ejde, Leipzig Zoo's Long-Time Resident, Dies at 44
Long-time Resident Orangutan Ejde Passes Away at Rostock Zoo Following More Than 3 Decades - Orangutan Ejde, who resided at Rostock Zoo for over thirty years, passes away.
Let's cut to the chase, mate! The Rostock Zoo's beloved Bornean orangutan, Ejde, has kicked the bucket at 44 years old. After more than three decades of care, the zoo pronounced the grim news. Sadly, ol' Ejde had been battling a chronic respiratory condition for years, which had taken a turn for the worse. Rest in peace, Ejde, you legendary ape ambassador.
Ejde cruised into this world back in July 1980 at a Danish zoo and settled down in Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo at the ripe age of nine. Ejde then got the nod to join Rostock in 1993 through the European Breeding Programme. Zoo director Antje Angeli mourned Ejde's departure as a significant loss, stating, "It's a bloody heavy blow, as Ejde was a bloody important ambassador for his endangered species for many years."
Ejde leaves behind a brood still living at Rostock Zoo. While there’s no word on the current status and location of his offspring, his daughter Mayang (born 2018) and sons Bayu (2020) and Sabas (2003) are still lovin' life at the zoo.
- Rostock Zoo
- Offspring
- Vienna
- Denmark
- Baltic Sea
- Germany (Leipzig Zoo should be there instead)
- Zoos
Now, let's throw in a little trivia. Orangutans, including the Bornean orangutans like Ejde, tend to live up to 35 to 40 years in the wild. However, in human care, they can live much longer. The record holder for the oldest female orangutan was born in 1962. Mind-blowing, ay?
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of animals and the environment, considering the recent death of Ejde, the long-time resident orangutan at Leipzig Zoo. One might ponder if Ejde's home-and-garden lifestyle, similar to pets, may have contributed to his extended lifespan, having lived beyond the average 35 to 40 years of a Bornean orangutan in the wild. As Ejde's offspring continue to live at Rostock Zoo, it's essential to ensure their well-being and consider planned breeding programs for the preservation of orangutan species in human care.
